Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Election Commission Over Allegations of Voter Fraud in Karnataka

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Election Commission of India (ECI) of stalling a voter fraud investigation in Karnataka. He claims the ECI has failed to provide necessary data to the Karnataka CID, despite multiple requests, and alleges systematic voter suppression targeting opposition supporters.

In a scathing address, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took aim at the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of hindering a crucial voter fraud investigation in Karnataka's Aland assembly segment. Gandhi criticized the ECI's alleged lack of cooperation, claiming that this has stalled the probe for over two years.

Speaking at a press conference at the Congress headquarters in Indira Bhawan, Gandhi detailed the sequence of events, highlighting that the Karnataka Crime Investigation Department had requested essential voter data from the ECI in March 2023. Despite repeated follow-ups, including 18 letters, the CID reportedly received incomplete information in August, insufficient for progress.

Gandhi further alleged systemic targeting of voters from marginalized communities who typically support opposition parties. He cited an instance in Aland, where an attempt to delete over 6,000 votes came to light due to a Booth Level officer's discovery. He called the incident 'proof' of organized efforts to manipulate voter lists, demanding swift action from the ECI.

(With inputs from agencies.)